Chardon Shooting Suspect’s Family: We Don’t Have Answers

File: Thomas 'T.J.' Lane, the Chardon High School shooting suspect, sits in court.

Chardon Shooting Suspect’s Family: We Don’t Have Answers

File: Thomas 'T.J.' Lane, the Chardon High School shooting suspect, sits in court.

CHARDON, Ohio — Two weeks after a young gunman shot five classmates inside Chardon High School, three of whom died, his family released a statement.

T.J. Lane is in juvenile detention facing murder and assault charges in connection with the shootings.

On Tuesday, his aunt sent an e-mail to Fox 8 News on the family’s behalf.

“I, Heather Lane (TJ’s Aunt) have been asked by the Lane Family to make a statement regarding the tragic events of February 27th.

I can share that we are all shocked and horrified by the actions of TJ. Our hearts and prayers remain with the parents and families of Daniel Parmertor, Russell King, Jr. and Demetrius Hewlin. Their deaths have left our family grief-stricken.

Our family continues to pray for the full recovery of Nick Walczak and Joy Rickers. May God be with all of you during this horrendous time.

We are issuing this statement in response to the many media outlets that have asked us to comment, but we have waited to release a statement until today out of respect for the families as they held funeral services. During that time we wanted the community’s attention, concern and prayers to be with the innocent victims of this tragedy. Their deaths have left a hole in the hearts of, not only their immediate families, but also our entire community.

As we all search for the answers our family continues to work with law enforcement officials. We wish we could offer some answers concerning this horrific act. We have none. I wish we had more to offer.

Our entire family would like to thank the community members who have reached out and offered prayers and support to us. You are the reason Chardon is such an incredible community to be part of. Your love has meant more than you can know.

Please know that we are deeply grieved by TJ’s acts. We know him as a son, brother, nephew, cousin and grandson. While we are devastated by his acts, we offer him our unconditional love.”

Danny Parmertor, Demetrius Hewlin and Russel King, Jr. died from their injuries.

Joy Rickers and Nick Walczak survived.

A bind-over hearing to consider probable cause to move Lane to adult court has been scheduled for April 3.